Kyle’s been rehearsing for weeks! He’s set to take over the lead role of Melchior in the Tony award-winning rock musical, Spring Awakening.
Riabko starts May 23, replacing Jonathan Groff, who originated the role in the show, which is based on Frank Wedekind’s classic drama. It has music by Duncan Sheik and book and lyrics by Steven Sater.
The performer steps into the musical three days after Alexandra Socha takes over the role of Wendla (the object of Melchior’s passion) from Lea Michele, another original cast member.
"I actually saw the musical well before I considered being a part of it and loved it so much," Riabko said.
"The reason Spring Awakening appeals to me is the reason I think it appeals to every young person," Riabko added. "I am not that far away from all of the events in the show. Not only do I remember those exact issues, but I am kind of living through them at the same time as well."
"The hardest part for me was thinking before I got here: ‘I’ve got all this stuff to do and I’ve got to fit in — not only on stage but backstage, too," he explained. "Melchior is a leader in the play and because of that, I think that people look up to Jonathan as a person.
"I thought, ‘Oh, I’m this skinny little kid from Canada and they’re all going to look down on me.’ But honestly, every cast person and every stage manager has been so open and accepting. They have been excited for the change. It’s been so easy to fit in."
Kyle starts Friday, May 23rd and tickets are available for purchase on the offical Spring Awakening website.
i cant wait to see you in spring awakening i am coming to see the play May 25th! good luck
he has a tough act to follow.
from his songs that i’ve heard he should be great.. but really.. jonathan groff will always be the face of spring awakening and melchior for me.
break a leg kyle!
Big shoes to fill, hope you do great!
Break a leg tonight Kyle! I’ll be there on Sunday at the mattinee to see you
Spring Awakening is an amazing play and I’m sure you will be AMAZING, Melchior’s part is so intense and emotional you will enjoy it so much. GOOD LUCK!! I will probably be seeing it again but with you in it this time!!
I MEANT BREAK A LEG CROSS…THAT LAST PART OUT!!! hehe….sorry.
Kyle Ijust saw you tonight and you are the most amazing person/actor. I dont want to see Spring Awakening again if you are not there. that is a fact. Keep goin dude.
I’m so excited to see you in the show!
I have on stage seats for my birthday in June!
*so* pumped!
hey kyle, it’s travis from Saskatoon. Haven’t seen you since Oct. 2000 when you were playing at Lydia’s. How old were you then-13? Good luck with the show in N.Y. and hopefully we’ll see you in Toon town soon.
Hey Kyle! I saw you in Spring Awakening on Tuesday, May 27! I was thoroughly disappointed when I heard Jonathan wasn’t going to be there, but after seeing the show…that went away! You were amazing!! Great job! I am a huge Spring Awakening fan and absolutely loved you as Melchior!
OMG! that’s awesome..my friend lilli cooper is in the show..say hi to her..she’s awesome..the whole cast is great , you’ll fit right in!! Congrats!!
I saw the show on June 3rd and have tickets to see it again tonight…alll because of you, Kyle. I didn’t know about the show or about the previous actor so I had no expectations going in and you blew my socks off. Is it perverted for a 44 year old woman to lust after such a hot young actor? LOL! Seriously, you were amazing!
Broadwayworld.com’s message board is saying Kyle is going on tour with Spring Awakening. Is this true?? Be still my heart. I will be attending at more than one venue if this is true.
Can someone confirm?
terrific job as melchior- vocally as well as acting-wise! i loved spring awakening!
dear riabko,
i would like to join kris elliot in asking if you are joining the nation tour. this will save me a trip to nyc.
confirm or deny please.
sincerely, mei-ling
Mei-Ling, Kyle has confirmed in the interview he does with Joe’s Pub that he IS doing the SA national tour!!! The only question now is will it be for the entire tour? :/
I am just thrilled he’s doing it period. I’ll be seeing the show again in Los Angeles. Can’t wait.
awesome! thanks, kris, for the update!
For someone who never saw SA with the “original” leads, I am so totally addicted. It must be Kyle and Alexandra. And Blake. Kyle, you have awesome chemistry with your fellow actors. Anyway, about my addiction. I needed to see the show again so bad I worked out another business trip to NYC and have already bought my tickets for the show on July 22nd.
Please be there that night Kyle!
P.S. Any chance you’ll be at Taste of Chicago with the SA cast on June 30th??? Hmm?? Come on…let your understudy do the Broadway show that night and come to the windy city. You’ll have at least one huge fan in the crowd rooting for you.